Once upon a time: Endearing Miss Universe

The Miss Universe Pageant is one of the most anticipated beauty pageants in the world. What started out as a model search promoting a swimsuit brand is now an annual global event to which tens of millions of TV viewers tune in.

Thailand’s recent hosting of the Miss Universe beauty pageant is one for the books. The 2025 edition of the Miss Universe held in Bangkok in November was actually the country’s fourth hosting of the event, following those held in 1992, 2005, and 2018.

Thailand also fondly remembers the 1988 edition of the pageant held in Taiwan, when the country’s own delegate, Porntip Nakhirunkanok, was crowned Miss Universe – Thailand’s second win after Apasara Hongsakula’s victory in 1965.

“Porntip talked about her passion to help less privileged children gain access to quality education. During her reign, she became the first Miss Universe to be invited to speak before the United Nations General Committee, where she talked on behalf of women and children around the world,” recalled Arunee Thonvurakul, a proud beauty pageant fan.

But not everyone is an avid follower of beauty pageants, with some people questioning whether beauty contests are still relevant in today’s chaotic world.

Yasmin Almonte, a Fine Arts professor at one of the leading Asian universities, argues that the definition of beauty espoused by these contests is very superficial.

“How can we create certain beauty standards when beauty comes in all forms, colors, and sizes?” she asks. An acclaimed painter in her native Philippines, she maintains that “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and is very subjective,” she told Thai PBS World.

However, judging by the immense popularity of the Miss Universe contest up to this day, many people are still hooked on the glitz, glamour, and excitement associated with the contest. What many pageant fans are missing, however, are some of those past Miss Universe traditions that are no longer really observed.

The parade of nations

“Gone are the days when the Miss Universe national costume parade was more traditional and, therefore, very educational,” complained Neli Mojica, a self-proclaimed pageant expert.

“I grew up watching the Miss Universe contest and learned a lot about world geography. Back in the days when the delegates were grouped according to continents, a young girl my age could already recite the names of countries in Asia and Oceania, Europe, Latin America, and so on."

"Even at an early age and with little opportunity to travel, I was acquainted with the national costumes of different countries and developed an open mind about different cultures and traditions. Today, Miss Universe delegates wear flamboyant outfits that say little about their own country’s identity,” she observed.

Little sisters

Back the so-called golden age of Miss Universe, the evening gown competition was one of the most anticipated, not only because of the elegant gowns worn by the top 10 finalists but also because of the young girls featured onstage.

“It was one of my favorite parts. Girls from the host country would appear on stage dressed as princesses, complete with a tiara and a sash bearing the name of each delegate. The ten finalists competed in their evening gowns with their corresponding ‘little sister’ beside them. It used to be one of the most magical segments of the competition. How I wish they would bring the ‘little sisters’ back,” remarked Neli.

“Recent editions of the Miss Universe pageant lack this fairy-tale atmosphere. It has become more focused now on the gowns and on the contestants walking like supermodels. While the delegates of yesteryear glided, today’s contestants strut on the ramp, sometimes quite aggressively. It’s a far cry from previous evening gown competitions when the contestants looked like graceful debutantes and elegant princesses,” lamented Mark Doro, a fashion designer.

Soundproof booth

The Question and Answer portion of the contest is admittedly one of the most nerve-wracking. In the past, the sight of the soundproof booth added more tension and excitement to the question and answer round of the competition.

“The other finalists were put inside the booth so they would not hear the question being asked. The five finalists used to have just one final question to answer,” Mark recalled. “It was exciting to listen to what each had to say as they’d go out of the booth to answer the final question one by one,” he added.

Royal throne

Another element that is noticeably absent in recent stagings of the contest is the Miss Universe throne. “In the past, after the announcement of the winner and coronation, the new Miss Universe would be escorted ceremoniously to a throne, before the other delegates could approach and greet her. These days, things seem to happen so fast. After the announcement of the winner, everyone rushes to the new queen,” Neli noted

On-screen scores

In the not-so-distant past, scores earned by each Miss Universe delegate from every judge were flashed on the TV screen. Today, it is one of the Miss Universe traditions missed by many spectators. “And with all the intrigues and controversies now associated with the organization, I think the on-screen scores would bring more transparency to the entire proceedings,” Mark said.

Still relevant

Are beauty contests like the Miss Universe still relevant?

“I think every beauty contestant in particular, and every woman in general, should always remember that winning is not the be-all and end-all of the competition. Platforms like the Miss Universe pageant should now be more about presenting empowered women with voices for the world to hear. Yes, I think it is still relevant,” Neli said.

In 2018, Angela Ponce from Spain broke barriers as the first transgender woman to ever participate in the competition. “I never imagined I would make it to Miss Universe because I lived in a society where everyone said I couldn’t do that,” Ponce said in one interview. She later added that “I do not need to win Miss Universe. I just need to be here.”